In the movie the Shootist, John Wayne’s character had a credo that went like this; “I won’t be wronged. I won’t be insulted. I won’t be laid a-hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” While my personal credo isn’t quite so straightforward or down to earth, it does follow the same lines. I won’t lie to others because I truly believe that the end, the truth is always the best policy. I expect those that serve under me and anyone that calls themselves my friend to follow the same. In the same vein, I expect those who call themselves my friend or work with me to respect my decisions and my beliefs.
While I may not always agree with the decisions and beliefs of those around me, I always respect them. We may not always agree, but we must be respectful in our disagreements. What’s missing is the art of respectful discourse and debate, let’s have faith that it will return one day.
For it to return, the stated credo will have to be lived, expected, and reinforced. There are still many who align themselves with it and with you.